Lighting Critique

[NaturalWoman]

I'm not quite sure about this lighting, any comments. Too bright, washed out, needs to be softer, not enough light. I'm new to lighting so be gentle. I had one CL 85w cfl light with umbrella off the the left. Where and how can this image be improved with regards to the lighting. Thanks. (I did bump up the lighting in Digital Photo a bit)



Canon PowerShot G10
Exposure: 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 13.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: +4/3 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Manual

if you need more info, check flickr properties. thanks. it's okay to copy this image and make the corrections so i can see any corrections you would suggest.

[Jamie Hibbert]

The comp is not working for me.

I think I would have the camera bigger in the frame and push the lens collection back a little.

However, with the image you have, there needs to be more seperation between the fore ground lens and the back two.

I do like your photograph and I have just thought, it looks very 1980's for some reason....

[NaturalWoman]

Originally Posted by Jamie Hibbert

The comp is not working for me.

I think I would have the camera bigger in the frame and push the lens collection back a little.

However, with the image you have, there needs to be more seperation between the fore ground lens and the back two.

I do like your photograph and I have just thought, it looks very 1980's for some reason....

thanks jamie, anything about the lighting. how is it. that's what i'm really working on.

[zona5101]

The light looks fine. Your specular highlights are limited. You have detail in blacks in most areas, some were lost but it doesn't distract from the image. The light is flat and even. Nice job.

[NaturalWoman]

Originally Posted by zona5101

The light looks fine. Your specular highlights are limited. You have detail in blacks in most areas, some were lost but it doesn't distract from the image. The light is flat and even. Nice job.

thanks. it's helpful to know that i'm not too way off. was wondering if the light was too harsh or if it needed to be softer, but if it's okay for the subject, then i have an idea of what i'm doing. i think.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by NaturalWoman

thanks. it's helpful to know that i'm not too way off. was wondering if the light was too harsh or if it needed to be softer, but if it's okay for the subject, then i have an idea of what i'm doing. i think.

For objects, especially objects that are hard, the specular highlight clues us in on the hardness, reflectivity of the object, for people (skin) we generally don't want them.

[wal]

I like this shot because the bg are clean white which contrast the items really nice.. Lightings are well done, my focus is to the subject as it should be.